Why This Matters
-
8% EXPECTED GROWTH FOR PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR JOBS
Strong demand for reality shows, U.S.-based shows for foreign audiences, and video content for streaming platforms is helping these positions grow faster than the average of all other occupations.
-
CHOOSE FROM A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT WORKPLACE SETTINGS
In addition to working on movies and television shows, people with this degree can find jobs in sports entertainment, advertising, and public relations.
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POTENTIAL TO EARN $200,000+ PER YEAR
The average salary for producers and directors is $79,000, with the top 10% earning more than $206,860.
Our Research
This list features some of the best film degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of film degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Top 50 Film Degree Programs
intelligent score 99.32
Award
Intelligent Pick
Rankings
#6 Best Accredited Colleges
#8 College Rank
School Information
San Francisco, CA
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Founded in the 1960s, the School of Cinema at San Francisco State University has a rich history of artistic experimentation and political activism. Undergraduate students can choose from three minors to accompany their major in Cinema and to further develop their skills: Animation, Filmmaking, and Cinema & Media Studies. SF State also offers graduate degrees, including a research-based Master of Arts and a Master of Fine of Arts that teaches production practice.
Regardless of the degree, all students benefit from ample opportunities for hands-on experience in SF State's facilities and labs. Coursework is taught by a diverse faculty with significant experience in animation, documentary, screenwriting, and more.
Students applying to this program must have completed general core requirements at SF State or another accredited institution. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to determine whether a Cinema degree is right for them.
Award
Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
On-Campus,Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 - 132
Graduate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,069
Graduate: $2,805
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
415-338-1629
Delivery Format
On-Campus,Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 - 132
Graduate: 60
intelligent score 99.32
Award
Best Public Institution
Rankings
#4 College Rannk
#14 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Long Beach, CA
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 42%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Students earning a bachelor's in Film and Electronic Arts at California State University, Long Beach, can choose between two options of study to complete degree requirements: Narrative Production or Theory and Practice of Cinema.
Students pursuing the Narrative Production track benefit from an immersive, creative experience geared toward either production and directing or cinematography. Admission to this program requires a portfolio submission that must be reviewed by the department faculty review committee.
Those pursuing the Theory and Practice of Cinema track do not have a portfolio requirement. Students can direct their studies to tracks in Screenwriting, Broadcast Production, or Production Management.
Students pursuing this major are encouraged to first meet with an advisor at CSULB to make sure all course requirements have been met.
Award
Best Public Institution
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 126
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $410
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
562-985-5404
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 126
intelligent score 98.77
Award
Most Recognized Faculty
Rankings
#1 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Massachusetts College of Art and Design offers a bachelor's in Film/Video that guarantees individualized attention. Students benefit from small class sizes taught by internationally recognized faculty, with a curriculum designed to build conceptual tools and technical training. Each faculty member has rich industry experience - students learn from real creators who have made a significant impact on film as an art form, including filmmakers Soon-Mi Yoo and Ericka Beckman, and animator Tammy Dudman. All coursework is designed to support each student's vision and encourages experimentation across mediums.
To be considered for admission, all applicants must submit an online application and a portfolio of 15 to 20 examples of their strongest and most recent artwork.
Award
Most Recognized Faculty
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $147
Graduate: $824
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-879-7000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 60
intelligent score 98.57
Award
Best Private Institution
Rankings
#2 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 90%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Columbia College Chicago offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television that focuses on collaborative filmmaking. Students develop communication, creative planning, and team-building skills to prepare for future careers as creative team leaders. The curriculum centers on an immersive learning experience that allows students to work on thought-provoking and emotionally complex film projects from day one. Instructors provide feedback on all creative projects, with much of the curriculum centered on a "write, shoot, edit, and repeat" approach that is designed to promote continuous improvement.
Students are encouraged to participate in popular film events outside of the classroom - including the Chicago Feminist Film Festival, Cinema Slapdown, and DocYourWorld.
Application requirements vary significantly for first-year, transfer, or non-degree-seeking students. Prospective students are encouraged to connect with an admissions counselor to review the application process and supplemental materials in detail.
Award
Best Private Institution
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 47
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $813 - $1,219
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
312-369-7130
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 47
intelligent score 98.2
Award
Most Innovative Curriculum
Rankings
#4 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Purchase, NY
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 74%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Students earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film at SUNY Purchase benefit from a curriculum geared toward individual transformation. Skills like directing, cinematography, editing, production, screenwriting, and film analysis are taught to create confident and daring filmmakers. The curriculum for each year in the program is centered around a theme that builds off the previous year and is therefore designed to prepare students for future careers as successful artists. Coursework is taught through important themes of artistry, such as exploration, specialization, and culmination. With more than 85% of graduates finding work in film and television, SUNY Purchase prides itself on a curriculum that works.
SUNY Purchase offers a flexible admissions process based on holistic review. Students must submit an online application and all relevant transcripts. Submitting test scores is optional.
Award
Most Innovative Curriculum
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate:104 - 120
Graduate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $235
Out-of-State: $566
Graduate
In-State: $377
Out-of-State: $770
accreditation
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
914-251-6300
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate:104 - 120
Graduate: 60
intelligent score 98.1
Award
Best in the West
Rankings
#5 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Santa Cruz, CA
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
The University of California, Santa Cruz offers a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Digital Media that focuses on cultural impact. By recognizing both film and digital media as important industries that shape the world, UC Santa Cruz provides a curriculum focused equally on history and what is to come. Students develop critical skills to best prepare them for their future careers, such as analyzing world cinema and popular TV, and learning the technical, intellectual, and aesthetic principles for creating new work.
UC Santa Cruz offers an Integrated Critical Practice concentration for outstanding and ambitious students keen to extend their skill set beyond general major requirements. Admission is competitive, as this concentration allows seniors to take specific coursework to further develop their critical studies and production skills.
Award
Best in the West
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate:120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $488
Out-of-State: $1,034
Graduate
In-State: $945
Out-of-State: $1,006
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
831-459-0111
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate:120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 97.4
Award
Most Affordable
Rankings
#7 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Huntington, IN
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Huntington University offers an economical option for students pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Film Production. At $412 per credit hour, HUAZ is relatively affordable compared with similar programs. Students engage with filmmaking at every level by learning the foundational elements of storytelling and how to film their story, alongside sound, special effects, and editing. HUAZ encourages students to make connections with area filmmakers and local production companies while working directly with faculty practitioners and industry professionals in the classroom.
All coursework takes place in person at HUAZ in Peoria. Students complete a foundational core in film classes before selecting elective courses that align with their interests.
Both freshmen and transfer students alike must submit an online application and all relevant transcripts to be considered for admission.
Award
Most Affordable
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $412
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
260-359-4000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 96.1
Award
Most Customizable Program
Rankings
#9 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Atlanta, GA
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 82%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Students attending Georgia State University benefit from a fully customizable program. After completing a foundational core curriculum specifically designed for film majors, students meet with a faculty advisor to build a program of study that suits their individual learning goals and aligns with their unique interests. Examples of courses include Documentary Production, Digital Cinematography, Feature Screenwriting, Gender in Film and Television, and Race and Representation, among others. Graduates often pursue successful careers as postproduction editors or as generalists who can light, record, and build sets for full-service productions.
Students currently enrolled at Georgia State and those who wish to transfer in must receive a C or better on all prerequisite courses, including the general core, to be eligible for admission into the major.
Award
Most Customizable Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $298
Out-of-State: $634
Graduate
In-State: $398
Out-of-State: $1,259
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
404-413-5855
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 95.8
Award
Best Graduate Program
Rankings
#10 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Santa Barbara, CA
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 37%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
The University of California, Santa Barbara offers a master's and doctorate in Film and Media for disciplined, ambitious creators. All admitted students enroll in an Master of Arts/Ph.D. track, where the master's degree is treated as a pathway to the Ph.D. This is a great option for students seeking a graduate degree that has a natural bridge between the two programs. Students complete six critical core classes - Critical Analysis and Method; Philosophy of Film History; Media Historiographies; Film Theory; Television and Digital Media Theory; and Cultural Theory - before pursuing studies that align with their specific interests.
Prospective students must have completed a bachelor's degree in Film and Media Studies or taken film and media courses while majoring in a closely related field. Additional application requirements include official transcripts with a 3.0 GPA or higher, a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation
Award
Best Graduate Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 180
Graduate: 68
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $319
Out-of-State: $980
Graduate
In-State: $319
Out-of-State: $980
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
805-893-2347
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 180
Graduate: 68
intelligent score 95.77
Award
Best in the Northeast
Rankings
#11 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Moorhead, MN
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 66%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production with a focus on film and animation. Students work alongside faculty to create projects and benefit from hands-on experience in writing, editing, directing, and producing. Upon graduation, students leave the program with a robust portfolio of their creations - an important element in many hiring processes. Many students submit their work to local and regional film festivals, resulting in awards and job offers.
To apply, freshmen and transfer students alike must submit an online application and all relevant transcripts. ACT/SAT scores are optional, but they could make an applicant more competitive.
Award
Best in the Northeast
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $294
Out-of-State: $589
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
218-477-2161
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 95.17
Award
Rankings
School Information
Salt Lake City, UT
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
Graduate: 55
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $982
Graduate: $1,643
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-685-8856
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
Graduate: 55
intelligent score 93.03
Award
Rankings
School Information
New Orleans, LA
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $507
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
504-816-4670
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
intelligent score 92.66
Award
Rankings
School Information
Berkeley, CA
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 17%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 136
Graduate:24
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $397
Graduate: $650
accreditation
Western Association of Schools & Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
510-642-1415
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 136
Graduate:24
intelligent score 92.04
Award
Rankings
School Information
Keene, NH
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $542
Out-of-State: $627
accreditation
National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
603-358-2276
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 92.01
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tampa, FL
Graduation Rate: 59%
Admission Rate: 56%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 78
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $640
accreditation
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
813-253-3333
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 78
intelligent score 91.48
Award
Rankings
School Information
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 14%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $460
Out-of-State: $1,034
Graduate
In-State: $604
Out-of-State: $1,108
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
310-206-8441
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 91.23
Award
Rankings
School Information
Milwaukee, WI
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $320
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
414-229-4763
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 90.3
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tallahassee, FL
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 32%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $215
Out-of-State: $721
Graduate
In-State: $479
Out-of-State: $1,110
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
850-644-8524
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 90
intelligent score 88.88
Award
Rankings
School Information
Las Vegas, NV
Graduation Rate: 52%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 - 122
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $256
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
702-895-3547
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 - 122
intelligent score 87.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tempe, AZ
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $784
Out-of-State: $1,248
Graduate
In-State: $858
Out-of-State: $1,361
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
480-965-5337
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 87.49
Award
Rankings
School Information
Irvine, CA
Graduation Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 30%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 34
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $381
Graduate: $477
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
949-824-3532
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 34
intelligent score 85.96
Award
Rankings
School Information
Allendale, MI
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $615
accreditation
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
616-331-5000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 85.15
Award
Rankings
School Information
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 21%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,600
Graduate: $1,755
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-998-1900
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 85.13
Award
Rankings
School Information
Portland, OR
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 95%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 180
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $360
Out-of-State: $990
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
503-725-3000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 180
intelligent score 84.68
Award
Rankings
School Information
Columbia, SC
Graduation Rate: 73%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $512
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
803-777-2213
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 84.61
Award
Rankings
School Information
Sacramento, CA
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 83%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $277
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
916-278-6011
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 84.36
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fairfax, VA
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $408
Out-of-State: $1,415
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
703-993-3287
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 82.54
Award
Rankings
School Information
Lawrence, KS
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $336
Out-of-State: $898
Graduate
In-State: $336
Out-of-State: $898
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
785-864-1340
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 82.4
Award
Rankings
School Information
Winston Salem, NC
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 36%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 25
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $270
Out-of-State: $988
Graduate
In-State: $511
Out-of-State: $1,327
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
336-770-3290
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 25
intelligent score 82.29
Award
Rankings
School Information
Kalamazoo, MI
Graduation Rate: 59%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $577
Out-of-State: $721
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
269-387-2000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
intelligent score 81.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Stanford, CA
Graduation Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 5%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 65 - 120
Graduate: 62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $887
Graduate: $930
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
650-723-2091
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 65 - 120
Graduate: 62
intelligent score 81.42
Award
Rankings
School Information
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 20%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Graduate: 48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,895
Graduate: $1,895
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-353-2300
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Graduate: 48
intelligent score 81.15
Award
Rankings
School Information
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 40%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $305
Out-of-State: $620
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-772-4490
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 80.75
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bowling Green, OH
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 75%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
Graduate: 90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $468
Out-of-State: $800
Graduate
In-State: $510
Out-of-State: $843
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
419-372-2478
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
Graduate: 90
intelligent score 80.51
Award
Rankings
School Information
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 50%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 51 - 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $2,276
Graduate: $1,385
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
310-338-2750
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 51 - 60
intelligent score 80.4
Award
Rankings
School Information
Cheney, WA
Graduation Rate: 59%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 79 - 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $236
Out-of-State: $848
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
509-359-2397
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 79 - 120
intelligent score 80.19
Award
Rankings
School Information
Buffalo, NY
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $295
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
716-645-2711
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 80.04
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $450
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-246-7800
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 79.88
Award
Rankings
School Information
Provo, UT
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $323 - $646
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
801-422-6645
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 79.87
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tucson, AZ
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $440
Out-of-State: $1,320
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
520-621-3237
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 78.75
Award
Rankings
School Information
Providence, RI
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $372
Out-of-State: $919
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-669-5760
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 78.5
Award
Rankings
School Information
Kennesaw, GA
Graduation Rate: 48%
Admission Rate: 83%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 123
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $185
Out-of-State: $654
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
470-578-4636
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 123
intelligent score 78.48
Award
Rankings
School Information
Ann Arbor, MI
Graduation Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 26%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $765
Out-of-State: $2,451
Graduate
In-State: $752
Out-of-State: $1,496
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
734-764-0147
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
intelligent score 78.01
Award
Rankings
School Information
Kingston, RI
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $566
Out-of-State: $1,336
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
401-874-7000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 77.96
Award
Rankings
School Information
Burlington, VT
Graduation Rate: 76%
Admission Rate: 71%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $678
Out-of-State: $1,720
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
802-656-2045
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 77.11
Award
Rankings
School Information
Cambridge, MA
Graduation Rate: 63%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 123
Graduate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,017
Graduate: $1,050
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-349-8800
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 123
Graduate: 60
intelligent score 75.72
Award
Rankings
School Information
Norman, OK
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 83%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $164
Out-of-State: $716
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
405-325-3020
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 75.54
Award
Rankings
School Information
Albuquerque, NM
Graduation Rate: 52%
Admission Rate: 96%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $362
Out-of-State: $905
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
505-277-6262
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 75.31
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Cloud, MN
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 73%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $497
Out-of-State: $752
accreditation
National Association of Schools of Theatre
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
320-308-2244
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 75.12
Award
Rankings
School Information
Upland, IN
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,161
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
765-998-2751
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
When considering this career path, it’s important to note the distinction between film, television, and media. Although all three involve recorded video, there are differences.
Film usually refers to movies, including documentaries. Because there’s a lot of competition in this field, many film producers and directors start off making independent films to gain experience and establish themselves in the industry.
Television directors and producers work on sitcoms, reality shows, sports shows, game shows, talk shows, television specials, or any recorded shows that would appear on television or streaming platforms that aren’t long-form cinematic productions.
Media directors and producers work in advertising, including commercials, music videos, or any other short-form video that’s not considered a movie or television show. It’s important to make sure the program you’re pursuing includes a focus on your area of interest or gives proper training in all three types of production and directing if you have no career preference.
Most producers and directors have bachelor’s degrees in film and cinema, while others have degrees in related fields, such as acting, writing, or communications. There aren’t any specific certifications needed for this profession, but any degree should be from an accredited program so you’re competitive with other producers and directors who are also likely to have degrees.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching film degree programs:
- How long does it take to complete this degree program? The amount of time it takes to complete a degree program depends on the number of credits required and the number you complete each semester. The programs in our research ask for credits in the range of 36 to 132, with most requiring 120. Completing 30 credits per year would make this a four-year degree.
- What licensing or certifications are required? There aren’t any specific licensing or certifications required for this career path.
As you research programs, be sure to keep track of application deadlines and what application materials you need for each school. You can look for this information on the school’s website or contact the admissions department.
You should also look into financing options for your undergraduate education. Make sure you submit financial aid applications in a timely manner, and check for other sources of funding, including scholarships and assistantships.